When a couple is ending their marriage, it is usually expected that one or both parties will move out of the shared residence and into their own places. However, in Massachusetts and elsewhere, more divorced couples are choosing to continue living together — for their children or financial reasons. This type of living arrangement can bring up some questions, though, such as, is paying child support necessary?
In the state of Massachusetts, both parents are expected to provide for their children. Generally, the non-custodial parent or higher-earning parent is the one who has to provide the other with child support payments. This does not change if a former couple continues to reside in the same residence.
Even when a family continues to live under one roof, there will still be a custody arrangement drawn up, by which each parent must abide. There will be separated finances and shared expenses. A child support order will be written to take into account the unique living arrangement as well as each party’s personal finances and the family’s shared expenses. In other words, child support does not go away, but the amount the paying parent has to pay may be different than it would be if the former couple was not living together.
Living with an ex post-divorce, when it happens, is usually only a short-term thing. When this living arrangement ends, new custody and child support plans need to be drawn up and put into action. Massachusetts residents can turn to legal counsel for assistance with such issues.
